When you are expecting a new baby, shopping for a crib and mattress can be very exciting. But it can also be stressful, once you become aware of the problems surrounding conventional mattress production. Many contain toxic materials such as fire retardants, plasticizers, polyurethane foam, and vinyl (PVC) that have been linked to problems with child development.There is also a theory that SIDS is caused by the toxic chemicals released by conventional crib mattresses. When a normally harmless household fungus (Scopulariopsis brevicaulis) comes into contact with the elements of phosphorous, arsenic, or antimony that have been found in chemical fire retardants in mattresses, it can generate extremely poisonous gases that are far more toxic than carbon monoxide. (Read more about it here.)New Zealand has been wrapping many of its conventional crib mattresses to seal in the toxic chemicals since 1995 and has noticed a 72 percent reduction in SIDS. The campaign, spearheaded by Dr. T.J. Sprott, has seen nearly 205,000 babies sleeping on wrapped mattresses with no deaths, while crib deaths on unwrapped mattresses were reported to be 975 in the same time period.
So it’s definitely a worthwhile investment to buy a ‘clean’ crib mattress for your new baby. If that’s too expensive, then consider purchasing a BabySafe Mattress Cover, which is the non-toxic plastic ‘bag’ used by Dr. Sprott.As a follow-up to my recent post about VOCs emitted from foam crib mattresses, here is a list of alternative green mattresses for your baby:Perfect for really young babies, this mattress is handmade using organic cotton and premium wool batting. It contains no fire retardants, synthetic fabrics, or petrochemical-based plastics. The 14-person company that makes this mattress uses sustainable practices such as permaculture (i.e. leftover materials are composted by worms) and ensures zero waste of manufacturing byproducts. Available online through Organic Lifestyle.This mattress features a core made of renewable and sustainable plant foam and organic cotton batting. Its cover is also organic cotton for breathability. One side is firmer than the other, making it better for infants;
then you can flip it over to the softer side as your baby grows into a toddler. Made in the U.S., this crib mattress contains organic cotton filling with springs to provide firm support. It has no wool or latex, for customers with allergy concerns. The waterproof model contains a non-toxic, food-grade polyethylene surface. Naturepedic uses a naturally-derived fire retardant formula made of baking soda, silica, and cellulose fiber from eucalyptus. Stuffed with a combination of coconut coir and natural latex, this crib mattress is made in the U.S. It features a removable cover made of organic cotton and wool. The wool acts as a natural fire retardant and water barrier. This crib mattress is made from 4 inches of natural rubber wrapped in organic cheesecloth. The outer removable cover is made of organic cotton jersey fabric. Obasan makes all its products in Ottawa, Canada, and sells them exclusively in store or over the phone. All products are described in detail on their website.Nook is a natural mattress company based in southern California.
Its Pebble Pure crib mattress is made with an organic coconut core layered with natural latex foam and organic wool (sourced from local farmers). The covering is made of breathable eucalyptus fibre infused with zinc, which is a non-toxic microbe resister, and organic cotton. ships to U.S. and Canada.This is the only crib that contains memory foam, except that this is entirely natural foam, made using hevea milk (rubber tree sap). The company describes it as “the memory foam we all know and love, but it’s made without the gunk.” The mattress contains no plastics, vinyl, or chemically treated fabrics, and using Kevlar fabric to pass flammability tests. The outside is made of organic cotton. Handmade in Devon, England, this mattress is stuffed entirely with organic coconut coir, which comes from coconut husks and is very breathable and supportive. It is wrapped in lambswool with a washable cotton cover. Also available are natural latex and mohair-filled crib mattresses. See here for a list of retailers in the U.S.If you have a generous budget to spend on an organic crib mattress, this one comes highly reviewed online.
The 6-inch mattress contains 280 coils, making it firm, supportive, and entirely non-allergenic. The covering, padding, insulator pads, and binding tape are all made of 100% organic cotton. It is handcrafted in the U.S. and is available online.Luxurious organic cotton fabric with easy-to-clean polyethylene waterproof surface (so pure it meets food contact standards). Provides the ultimate non-toxic and stain resistant waterproof mattress cover. Also functions as a dust mite/bed bug barrier - no need for an additional dust mite encasing. Organic cotton is the purest form of cotton and a healthier alternative to synthetic fabrics and foams. Naturepedic uses only U.S. grown and certified organic cotton as filling for its mattresses and buys directly from USDA certified sources. This ensures purity, organic reliability and support for U.S. farmers. Features a heavy-duty 150 or 252 coil innerspring plus strong 9 gauge edge support. Firm flat surface provides ideal support in accordance with pediatrician and Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) firmness recommendations.
The decorative trim option has a more traditional look and has been the standard mattress construction method for decades. Built-in Dust Mite/Bed Bug Barrier: No need for an additional dust mite encasing No Latex or Soy: No need to worry about these high allergy materials Features square corners for a snug fit. Measures 27.5" x 52" x 6" (also fits toddler beds and day beds). Due to our innovative natural design, Naturepedic passes all federal and state flammability standards without the use of any fire retardant chemicals or chemical flame barriers. This is achieved through superior product design, the use of more natural materials (i. e. organic cotton fabric, organic cotton fiber and non-GMO plant-based PLA batting) and the elimination of polyurethane foam. Unlike crib mattresses that contain polyurethane foam and/or vinyl, Naturepedic helps you avoid these materials and other unnecessary additives. Improve the indoor air quality of your nursery and reduce chemical exposure by eiminating these chemicals in the first place.
Naturepedic baby crib mattresses have been thoroughly tested for chemical emissions and are certified to the GREENGUARD® GOLD standard. This helps promote a cleaner, more chemical-free sleep environment for your child. The entire crib mattress is certified organic to the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). This ensures that your crib mattress meets a healthy non-toxic standard and is truly organic! Naturepedic is a family owned business located in Chagrin Falls, Ohio. Our workers are skilled Amish craftsmen that take pride in their work, paying special attention to every detail to ensure long lasting durability. We are proud to offer the very best organic mattresses available anywhere - made right here in the U.S.A. We are so confident in our products that we are happy to stand behind them with a lifetime limited warranty. We are quite proud of our extremely low warranty claim rates but are here if you need us. Rest easy knowing you are in good hands. As a family owned business with an excellent reputation for quality products and great customer service, Naturepedic is proud to offer the very best organic mattresses - made right here in the U.S.A.